### Exploring the Creative Waters of ShipShaper: A Canvas for Custom Ships
The vessel featured in this article is aptly named the Stately Gunwale, a title bestowed upon it by ShipShaper’s demo, capturing the essence of its design. Developed by Tomas Sala, known for his work on *The Falconeer* and *Bulwark*, ShipShaper is an innovative tool that allows players to unleash their creativity on the high seas through shipbuilding.
#### The Vision Behind ShipShaper
Tomas Sala’s passion for ships and exploration is woven into the very fabric of ShipShaper. He describes his project as not just a tool but an artistic endeavor that centers on the joy of ship creation. The vision was clear: create a platform devoid of rigid constraints, where players can freely manipulate shapes and materials to build everything from simple fishing boats to intricate dreadnoughts. Sala emphasizes that the process relies on an intuitive approach—there’s no predefined grid or overarching strategy, just raw creativity.
#### Crafting the Perfect Ship
Starting with a basic template, users can stretch, bend, and modify their vessels into unique creations. Players can experiment freely, adding features like masts, exhausts, and weaponry without adherence to conventional design norms. The experience encourages imaginative, sometimes whimsical, shipbuilding that prioritizes fun over functionality—where a humongous deck hump or wildly angled cannons become a testament to a builder’s creative flair.
#### Sharing and Utilizing Designs
Once the ship is complete, creators can snap screenshots of their nautical masterpieces in picturesque dioramas. Sala has hinted at exciting future capabilities, including the option to use these ships for game development, board games, or mods—a flexibility that broadens the scope for creativity beyond the demo. Players will also have the opportunity to 3D print their designs or incorporate them into *Bulwark*.
#### Try Your Hand at Ship Building
Though the full game does not yet have a release date, players are encouraged to dive into the demo available on Steam. For those interested in shipbuilding or design, ShipShaper provides a refreshing escape into a world of creativity and exploration on the digital seas. To try your hand at creating your own ship, check out the demo and wishlist ShipShaper on Steam [here](https://store.steampowered.com/app/4339280/ShipShaper/).
### Conclusion
ShipShaper presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring shipwrights and fans of creative design. With its focus on exploration and artistic freedom, the game promises a unique experience that fuses the love of ships with creativity. Whether you’re a gamer, a creator, or just someone fascinated by maritime adventures, the Stately Gunwale and its fellow vessels await your imagination.
